Finding the True Harmony within you

PMS -Managing the Madness

PMS – Managing the Madness.

80% of women report experiencing premenstrual symptoms of some kind.  PMS symptoms can be emotional or physical and occur monthly, only1-2 weeks before period bleeding starts. 5 % of these women feel that their PMS symptoms adversely affect their lives.  There are over 150 different symptoms associated with PMS; including anxiousness, depression, irritability, mood changes, fatigue, breast tenderness, food cravings, bloating, headache and digestive complaints. 

Many research studies have tried to get clear answers as to the cause of PMS symptoms but nothing conclusive has been found. Some research studies suggests that women with PMS have lower serotonin levels after ovulation than women who report NO PMS symptoms. A few of these studies point to the metabolism of fluctuating sex hormones that are influencing serotonin levels.  While other research points to nutritional deficits and blood flow as major contributors to PMS symptoms. And yet other studies suggest social and cultural influences, stress and pre-existing depression affect how women experience PMS. A meta- analysis (a study of all the studies) done in 2012 by researchers at The University of Toronto claim that PMS does not exist because research on PMS has given so many different conclusions. 

 So….. is PMS just a myth? Or are the causes of PMS so varied, complex and different from person to person that the double-blind, placebo controlled research model cannot pin point the cause?

Although we have no divine answer as to the cause of PMS, there is a thread that runs through the information research has been able to provide.  That thread is that one body system is having a direct affect on another. 
Nutritional deficits and blood flow will effect how well our endocrine system functions.  The endocrine system
has an effect on the neuroendocrine system which affects mood, fatigue, food cravings, and can then influence blood flow and endocrine function.  The balance of the sex hormones; estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, most likely are NOT a stand-alone cause of PMS symptoms.

So regardless of the cause of a woman’s PMS, affecting and improving blood flow, nutrition and endocrine function is likely to improve PMS symptoms.  It is very important to see your doctor if PMS symptoms are interfering with your daily life and to rule out any underlying medical conditions. 

Exercise and massage are two easy ways to improve blood flow. Exercising has many health benefits and ncreasing blood flow is one of them. Massage, like exercising, improves blood flow by compressing the soft tissue to pump blood through the body but also loosens soft tissue to decrease constriction of blood flow.  Increased blood flow improves oxygen and nutrient delivery to cells and increases waste/toxin removal from the body.

Women can improve nutrient intake by improving their diets, a simple answer that leads to a challenging task.  MANY clinical studies have shown that avoiding refined sugars, processed food and diary significantly improve the PMS symptoms that women experience. 

Improving Endocrine function. What does that mean? Our endocrine system includes, but is not limited to, the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, and the ovaries (testes in males). We can support our endocrine system by making sure the glands get the nutrients they need to function properly by eating a nutritious well balanced diet and upporting proper blood flow.  We can also supplement certain nutrients and herbs that support gland function, such as B vitamins, Vitamin C, and Ashwagandha for Thyroid and Adrenal Gland function.

There are many ways to improve PMS symptoms and first-line treatments should focus on blood flow, nutrients, and endocrine function.  Treatments will vary depending on specific PMS symptoms, either physical or emotional. Whether or not PMS is a myth, it is something that most women experience associated with their menstrual
cycles. PMS symptoms can be managed through lifestyle changes and natural therapies. Women should discuss their PMS symptoms with their doctor to determine what route of treatment is appropriate for their symptoms and to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Dr. Denise Grobe, Naturopathic Physician at the Center for True Harmony Wellness and Medicine specializes in Women’s Medicine. 480-539-6646.

Food Plan for the True Harmony 2012 Cleanse/Detox

True Harmony’s Gentle Liver Cleanse

Liver Cleansing Diet: Food Recommendations

To be followed for 10-14 days

 Breakfast

• Fruit
• Choose organic fruit only – apples, pears, berries, grapefruit, pineapple, papaya
• Do NOT have juice Only
• May be combined with UltraClear or UltraMeal 360 as a smoothie

 Lunch/Dinner

• Eat mostly fresh vegetables, choose organic if possible to eliminate pesticides
• Steamed Fresh vegetables for easy digestion: broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, carrots, spinach, onions, kale, asparagus, peas, green beans
• Baked vegetables : sweet potatoes, yams, squash
• Salads:  mixed greens and vegetables,
  • Dressing: olive oil, lemon, garlic
• Whole Grains: brown rice, quinoa, millet, amaranth - limit to ¾ cup cooked each day

Drink

• Herbal teas – do not add dairy, dairy alternative or sweeteners
  • Drink 2 or more cups of teas daily
• Water: ½ your weight in ounces of water daily

 AVOID

• Meat: red meat, poultry, fish, seafood
• Eggs
• Dairy – milk, cheese, yogurt, butter
• Breads, pastas, crackers
• Corn
• Soy
• Grains – other than what is listed above for lunch/dinner recommendations
• Beans
• Salt
• Alcohol
• Coffee
• Fried foods

True Harmony will be hosting this cleanse as our April activity. Look out on our facebook page to find support, tips and suggestions during the cleanse. Share your experiences with us! www.facebook.com/CenterforTrueHarmony

 Dr. Grobe, NMD constructed this cleanse for our True Harmony community. If you have any chronic or severe medical conditions, you should consult with your physician before attempting any detox/cleanse, or come in and consult with Dr. Grobe ND herself.

True Harmony Spring Cleanse 2012

True Harmony Spring Cleanse 2012

Who can Benefit from a Cleanse- Cleansing can help with the following conditions:
PMS
Bloating
... Catalyst to restart a Diet
Clear out Liver and Intestinal Toxins
Losing Weight
Improve overall Health
Cleanse Gut
Increase Energy
*Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding moms.
*If you have any chronic or severe medical conditions, you should consult with your physician before attempting any detox or cleanse.

Cleanse Description: This is a food based liver cleanse. YOU WILL EAT! This is 10 days long, and can be done with just the food regime we outline, or with added support to more fully cleanse the Liver, Gut and Intestines.

Why Should I Cleanse?: Feel better after your cleanse is complete! Cleansing and detoxing is a great way to jumpstart your body’s natural mechanisms. Get your diet, gut, weight, and elimination back on track with a Spring Cleanse.

OUR SUGGESTION:
1. Follow the food outline that Dr. Grobe ND has come up with for 10 days, starting April 16. Let us know your questions and feedback on facebook or through email. www.facebook.com/CenterforTrueHarmony or info@trueharmonywellness.com. With using just the food portion of the cleanse, you will get to experience a nice gentle cleanse!

2. To get improved results and a deeper detox, you will want to supplement your cleanse with the cofactors needed to complete the 3 phases of cleansing. To do this, we suggest you purchase the Cleanse kits by Metagenics that we now have on sale at the office. You will get one container of UltraClear to improve the depth of your Liver Cleanse, a bottle of AdvaClear to help your gut and intestines, a shaker bottle, plus an added booklet of support material. No appointment needed to purchase the cleanse. The kits are discounted this month! You only need one kit to complete your cleanse!

3. If you want more detailed information or a customized cleanse for your specific health journey, make an appointment with Dr. Grobe ND.
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Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) - The details of what, why and how to treat.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) - The details of what, why and how to treat.

 Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is becoming increasingly prevalent.  In very basic terms, PCOS is due to an imbalance of hormones associated with weight gain, increased acne or hair growth, and irregular or absence of menstrual periods due to lack of ovulation.  The syndrome is diagnosed based on symptoms, ultrasound, and lab results.

 Often, the patient’s ovaries will have a very specific look on ultrasound, showing multiple small follicles grouped around the perimeter of the ovary like “a string of pearls”.  Lab results often show elevated glucose and insulin levels.  If the endocrine system is not functioning properly, glucose cannot be properly absorbed and stored in the body, thus showing up as an excess in the patient’s blood.  If the pancreas is working overtime to produce insulin, high levels of this hormone may appear in the blood as well.  Chronic high levels of glucose and insulin lead to diabetes, and this can be a major concern and risk factor for developing other health problems like stroke or heart attack.

 Another abnormal lab finding is elevated testosterone.  Although considered “the male sex hormone”, it is normal in lower doses in the female patient.  However, when the levels are higher than normal, the patient may experience facial hair, acne, mood swings and irregular periods.  All of these hormones affect each other as well as impacting the “female hormones” that control the menstrual cycle (follicle stimulating hormone, leutenizing hormone, estrogen and progesterone).  The absence of a menstrual period is due to lack of ovulation because of the disruption of the normal hormone flow and the unusual physical appearance of the ovary.

 For many years, oral contraceptive pills have been the conventional treatment of choice for PCOS.  Unfortunately, birth control pills only treat the symptoms and do little to treat the underlying issues.  Studies have shown that for the most common type of PCOS, weight loss and dietary changes significantly reduce physical symptoms, help prevent pre-diabetes, help regulate menstrual cycles, and increase chances of pregnancy.  This is the “First Line Therapy”.

 Conventional fertility treatment for PCOS includes medication to induce ovulation.  However, as with most medications, there are certain risks.  Therefore, this is only done under close monitoring by your physician.

 Alternative treatment options for PCOS include biphasic tinctures, acupuncture, herbal supplements and massage.  These alternative treatments help treat the cause of the imbalances in the body, reducing stress and optimizing reproductive health.

 Here at True harmony, we are fortunate to be able to offer alternative therapies as well as conventional.  We have had great success in treating PCOS with our First Line Therapy program alone or combined with acupuncture and herbal supplements or tinctures.  We are also able to offer supportive therapies to help reduce stress (massage, reflexology, and reiki therapy).

 Written by MaryAnn Shostek, PA-C. MaryAnn works with Dr. Brass-Jones Ob/Gyn and Dr. Grobe ND. Together they have found great success in helping patients reach their health goals. For more information or to contact us: www.trueharmonywellness.com; info@trueharmonywellness; 480-539-6646

 

January 2012 Specials - WeightLoss Specials

Lose Weight, affordably, and in the healthy way to keep it off!

January 2012 Specials!

 

Meal Plan- LOSE WEIGHT for Good! 

This month at True Harmony, get your weight loss plan created by a Doctor, and do it Right this year!  Dr. Grobe ND will spend time with you to assess where you are now, and determine the best road for you to reach you goal weight. This new year, bring health, wellness and a smaller jean size into your life. If you choose the longer program, called First Line therapy, you will get 10% off each of your visits! (excludes those billable to insurance, cashpay only) Learn more about our First Line Therapy program

 

HERBAL MEDICINARY RETAIL- All TEAS on SALE!!!!

Receive 10% off our Tea line! We have teas specially blended to support PREGNANCY, to relieve and aid DIGESTION, to enhance FERTILITY, to squelch NAUSEA, to relieve HEADACHES, to aid SLEEPYTIME, to enhance your daily NUTRIENTS, to bring COOLING. Learn more about our TRUE HARMONY TEA LINE

 

RETAIL- Metagenics Meal Replacement Sale!

Low Glycemic, High Protein, Good for You Meal Replacements ~ When you start your New Year's Diet on January 1, try the effective diet that consists of 5-6 small meals a day! By eating, highly digestible, well balanced small meals, your metabolism will keep pumping, and you'll get a jump start on improving your blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels and blood pressure! Utilizing the Metagenics Meal Replacement Shakes and Bars is a great way to support a healthy diet and renewed lifestyle! Buy these products when you are in the office and get 10% for the Month of January! Learn more about our Metagenics products

Herbal Consultations now at True Harmony

Herbal Medicine Consultations now offered as part of our spa services at the Center for True Harmony!

Herbal medicine has been used for thousands of years to support and maintain health.  It helps support the body’s innate ability to heal itself. Herbal medicine, in dried herb and tincture form, helps balance the body’s systems when suffering from any of the following ailments:

Arthritis, Digestion Issues, Anxiety, Depression, Sleep Disturbances, Insomnia, Fatigue, Muscle Pain, Headaches, Food Allergies or Sensitivities and Pregnancy Support

Seasonal Conditions: Asthma, Bronchitis, Colds, the Flu and other Viral Infections

Gynecological Conditions: Menopause, Painful Monthly Cycles, Hormonal Imbalance

 

During this one-hour appointment the Herbalist will:

 Discuss your overall health history

• Determine your primary health concern
• Create a custom herbal formula for you 

 All herbal teas and tinctures dispensed by the Herbalist will first be approved by the Naturopathic Doctor and will compliment other therapies you may already be using.

The initial visit is a $70 fee, but you can use one of your Wellness Membership appointments or the Spa Upgrade option to get your visit for only $39

 Herbal Consultation Follow Up

 After you have been using your herbal formula for a period of time you will return for a 20 minute follow up appointment with the Herbalist to:

 Determine how the herbal formula is working for you

• Discuss any improvements or changes in your health since taking the herbs
• Adjust the formula, if needed

This vist is $40.

 Herbal Focused Consultation

 For established clients who want to work on a new health concern using the help of herbal medicine. During this 45 minute to 1 hour appointment the Herbalist will:

 Review of your health history

• Discuss your new primary health concern
• Come up with a custom herbal formula to help you

 All formulations will be approved by the Naturopathic Doctor and are intended to compliment your other therapies.

 This visit is $50.

About the Herbal Consultant: Rachel Anne Nemetz is a Western Herbalist, Holistic Nutritionist, Yoga Teacher, and Holistic Lifestyle Expert. She holds a Holistic Healthcare degree with specialties in Western Herbalism and Holistic Nutrition from Southwest Institute of Healing Arts in Tempe, AZ. Rachel has a passion for women’s health, native medicinal plants and holistic lifestyle education. Having experienced first hand the healing power of herbs, she loves making custom herbal formulations and finding creative solutions to help her clients find balance in their lives.
As a nutritionist, Rachel believes strongly in the philosophy of making ‘food thy medicine.’ She makes fabulous tasting recipes and shares ideas with her clients on how to incorporate healthy foods into their diets.
A professional performer for over 20 years, Rachel holds a BFA in Muscial Theatre from Emerson College in Boston, MA. Combining two passions, art and environmentalism, she created the organic cotton clothing line, Organyx by RachelAnne in 2006. She uses her organyx lifestyle blog as a platform to educate others on holistic lifestyle topics, such as the importance of organic farming and reducing everyday chemical exposure.
With over 10 years of yoga practice, Rachel became a Yoga Instructor in 2008 through YogaWorks in Santa Monica, CA. She has additional training at the Sri K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in Mysore, South India. Rachel enjoys writing on holistic healthcare topics, spending time outdoors, travel, film, music and hula hooping!

CONTACT:  Center for True Harmony Wellness & Medicine™ , an integrated medical office and spa is an for men, women and families. We are located just off the SouthWest corner of CountryClub Dr and Baseline in Mesa Arizona 85210 . To contact this author, the office or our practitioners: info@trueharmonywellness or 480-539-6646.

 

 

Corporate Wellness Programs

Corporate Wellness Programs

The Center for True Harmony Wellness & Medicine™ provides multiple opportunities for businesses to improve the healthcare of their organization. We find that all businesses have different needs and wants when it comes to the healthcare of their employees, and we are here to help customize an easy and effective program.

Studies show that healthy employees help save money for any organization, small and large. Monies are saved through decreasing sick time, minimizing training time and decreased productivity of temporary hires, minimizing decreased productivity of unwell employees and decreasing healthcare and health insurance costs. The Center for True Harmony has multiple wellness options that businesses can customize to fit their specific needs.

I. Health and Wellness Education – Free to your Organization

            Talks by licensed physicians and practitioners: Topics range from Diabetes, Hormone Balancing, and Healthy WeightLoss, to Stress-Management and much more. The Center for True Harmony’s speakers include Naturopathic Physician Dr. Denise Grobe, Massage Therapist and Lifestyle Educator Jenna Boettner, Aesthetician, Life Coach and Reiki Master Lorri Woodmansee, OB/GYN Dr. Brass-Jones and more.

II. Corporate Chair Massage program for employees – These fees are calculated on the amount of time spent with each employee. This can be paid by the employer only, the employee only, or a combination of both.

 Bring in licensed and insured Massage Therapists and Reflexologists to provide therapies for your employees.

III. Health Assessments – Prices can be based on a per hour fee for the practitioner, or a per health assessment basis.

Licensed and certified practitioners providing health assessments may include Blood Pressure, Height, Weight, Hip to Waist Ratio, Body Mass Index, BioImpedence Analysis (Fat to Lean Body Mass ratio). These health assessments are customized to the needs of the organization.

IV. Yoga and Movement Workout Classes – These fees are calculated on a per class basis.

Certified and Insured Yoga and Dance Instructors customize beginner to advanced classes depending on the needs of the organization.

 V. For those groups that require or are more interested in a hands-on health program for their employees, the Center for True Harmony Wellness & Medicine will introduce the First Line Therapy Program. This is an established 12 week step-by-step program for men and women that are suffering from pre-diabates, diabetes, PCOS, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, menopause, premenstrual syndrome, heart disease, excess weight and obesity. The program includes a free education series, along with doctor’s visits, a menu plan, and medicinary items customized for each individual employee.

 Please contact Jenna Boettner, LifeStyle Educator and LMT, and Sherry Fragosa, Director of Operations with all of your questions and interests in promoting health in your company. We are here to help you!

CONTACT:  Center for True Harmony Wellness & Medicine™, an integrated medical office and spa for men, women and families. We are located just off the SouthWest corner of CountryClub Dr and Baseline in Mesa Arizona 85210 . To contact this author, the office or our practitioners: info@trueharmonywellness or 480-539-6646.

Dr. Denise Quance-Grobe ND is now in network with Cigna Health Insurance

True Harmony is pleased to announce that Dr. Denise Quance-Grobe our Naturopathic Physician is now a contracted provider of Cigna Health Insurance! (Meaning she is In Network)

 

Dr. Quance-Grobe is passionate to find underlying causes of health concerns. She takes the time to listen to your concerns and personalizes treatment plans to jumpstart your body’s natural healing process.

Her main focus is general family medicine and women’s health issues.

 

She utilizes botanical medicine, homeopathy, medical nutrition, and acupuncture with lifestyle counseling. This provides the optimal level of care for her patients. She is well versed at treating Stress conditions, Fibromyalgia, PCOS, Anxiety, Depression, Diabetes, PMS, Menopause, Hormone Balancing, Osteoporosis, Obesity, and much more.

 

Dr. Quance Grobe received her doctorate degree from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona in 2004 and has continued to educate and practice within the local community.

If you have any of these health concerns mentioned above or a question about general health call True Harmony today to set up your Initial visit with Dr. Quance-Grobe!

You can reach us at 480.539.6646

*Through the month of November, mention this blog post and receive 50% off initial Naturopathic visit and 10% off medicinary supplements that are purchased same day!

CONTACT:  Center for True Harmony Wellness & Medicine™, an integrated medical office and spa for men, women and families. We are located just off the SouthWest corner of CountryClub Dr and Baseline in Mesa Arizona 85210 . To contact this author, the office or our practitioners: info@trueharmonywellness or 480-539-6646.

COMBAT ILLNESS with First Line Therapy

Illness is not a normal part of aging.

Reversing and Delaying Chronic Illness

Extensive scientific research demonstrates that many of the chronic disease associated with aging can be prevented or even treated by adopting a health lifestyle.

.Heart Disease

. High Blood Pressure

.Stroke

.Osteoarthritis

.Diabetes

.High Cholesterol

.Metabolic Syndrome

.Osteoporosis

 A therapeutic lifestyle change program is recommended by leading health organizations as a first-line treatment option for many of the conditions above as well as:

.Stress-Related Disorders

.Fatigue Disorders

.Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

.Premenstrual Syndrome

.Menopause

.Prostate Problems

.Conditions related to Overweight and Obesity

 

A”therapeutic lifestyle” means…

.Making choices every day that will enhance health and help prevent disease

.Adopting habits of living that may delay the onset of illness in old age

.Increasing your years of good health and full function

.Enabling yourself to achieve a full, healthy life!

 

FirstLine Therapy can help you regain health

 FirstLine Therapy is a specialized therapeutic lifestyle change program unlike any other in that the FLT system targets the underlying causes of chronic illnesses by incorporating a sensible eating plan, exercise, nutritional supplementation and stress management. In fact, the following key characteristics are unique to the FLT program.

 

FLT is not just a weight loss program

.Most programs are focused on weight while FLT is best used as a first line treatment for common, chronic health problems (eg. High cholesterol, insulin resistance, unhealthy body composition).

 

The FLT eating plan is different

.Most programs are focused on lowfat diets while FLT emphasizes the importance of a low-glycemic eating plan that is consistent with current research.

 

FLT incorporates medical foods and nutritional supplements

.The appropriate use of medical foods and supplements enhances program effectiveness and shortens the time it takes for you to achieve risk reduction goals.

 

FLT has been demonstrated to be effective in human clinical studies

.Most programs lack clinical evidence of effectiveness.

 

Getting Started – A Matter of Fat

In order to measure your progress, you first need to know your current health status. A variety of health assessments may be performed, including a quick, non-invasive measurement of you body fat and lean muscle mass.

Excess body fat can greatly increase your health risks. But a higher ratio of muscle increases your metabolism and is associated with a lower incidence of illness. Improving your muscle-to-fat ration is perhaps the most powerful tool in controlling the aging process and restoring vitality. And that’s what First Line Therapy is all about.

 

Your personal First Line Therapy program offers:

Initial and follow-up testing

Practitioner consultations

Program guidebook

Solutions for staying active

Simple eating guidelines

Progress tracking

Lifestyle counseling

Nutritional product recommendations

 

“A therapeutic lifestyle is the most powerful tool there is to positively impact your health for life”

 

You can change your health

 

Doesn’t everybody want good health? High energy, mental clarity, full function, and absence of disease well into old age. It’s yours for the taking!

 

What do you want?

.More Strength?

.More Sex Drive?

.More Energy?

.Clearer Thinking?

.More ‘Good’ Days?

.Less Stress?

.Better Mood?

.Less Pain?

.Better Sleep Quality?

.Better Mobility?

.Greater Control Over Health?

.More Independence?

.More Living?

 

Dr. Grobe ND, Dr. Brass OB/GYN and Jenna Boettner –Lifestyle Educator, will guide you through a process that will change your life for the better. Learn how to be healthy, learn what your body needs.

Send your questions to info@trueharmonywellness.com or call 480-539-6646 and we’ll help you get started.

CONTACT:  Center for True Harmony Wellness & Medicine™, an integrated medical office and spa for men, women and families. We are located just off the SouthWest corner of CountryClub Dr and Baseline in Mesa Arizona 85210 . To contact this author, the office or our practitioners: info@trueharmonywellness or 480-539-6646.

Planning a Pregnancy or Pregnant and want to be prepared?

Here at True Harmony, we are offering a free event October 26th from 5-6pm for anyone who plans to become pregnant in the near future or who is simply interested in learning more about planning for pregnancy.

My name is Mary Ann Shostek. I am a physician assistant with previous experience in fertility specialty. I am currently a part of the True Harmony team and see OB(pregnant) patients for prenatal visits as well as non-pregnant patients for gynecological and fertility issues.

 This event will be informal and interactive. Questions are encouraged!

 Some of the topics I will touch on are: prenatal vitamins, routine yearly examination and testing, maintaining a healthy body and lifestyle, tracking menstrual cycles and ovulation , lastly discussing realistic expectations.

 

If there are other topics you are interested in, please let us know and we will try to accommodate your interests. Future events will include more specific information regarding fertility, and we will let you know when those are scheduled.

 

To reach the Center for True Harmony Wellness & Medicine™ Contact 480-539-6646,

www.trueharmonywellness.com , or info@trueharmonywellness.com

Again it is October 26th at the Center for True Harmony from 5-6pm

 

　

CONTACT:  Center for True Harmony Wellness & Medicine™, an integrated medical office and spa for men, women and families. We are located just off the SouthWest corner of CountryClub Dr and Baseline in Mesa Arizona 85210 . To contact this author, the office or our practitioners: info@trueharmonywellness or 480-539-6646.